Meet Linnet Awino, a 23 year old mother of two who lives in Mbita, Homabay County, Kenya. Linnet used to be a part time small-scale business woman. Balancing between business and being a mother was a major challenge because the business was not supporting even half of her home bills.
She got an opportunity to join the Power for the People Academy Program, following which she completed a six month Fashion and Fabric Design course and graduated successfully. “When I heard of the program, I was very excited to join because, I had enrolled myself in a local tailoring school but I could not afford the fees, eventually I had to drop out.”
With the money she saved from her small businesses. Linnet has gone ahead to purchase a sewing machine and set up a small shop in the town centre. She makes an array of products from school uniforms, clothes and curtains.
“The skills that I got from the Fashion and fabric design course has really improved my life. I have used the money acquired to expand my business. I now buy and sell shoes in retail and also sell liquid soap.”
The many business she operates has enabled her to take her children through school this has improved her living standards. Linnet hopes to now buy an electric sewing machine and employ somebody to help out in her shop.
“My dream is to finally own a bigger sewing shop to expand my income” added Linnet.
